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Organization Helps Homeless Families Off to Bright Beginnings

Most parents will do anything to keep their kids safe and happy, but not every parent has the resources to provide their child with the best life possible. That's where this week's Harris' Hero comes in. Leon Harris reports about a group that's been helping homeless families in the District for more than two decades. (Published Friday, Oct. 19, 2018)

Update: A viewer noticed there weren't any computers in the new business center for Bright Beginnings and offered to donate several Macs. Mac Recycle Clinic dropped off the new computers this week.

Most parents will do anything to keep their children safe and happy, but not every parent has the resources to provide their child with the best life possible, which is why Bright Beginnings has been helping D.C. families experiencing homelessness for more than 25 years.

The organization believes to end the cycle of homelessness, the entire family has to be involved, so they provide free childcare and resources for parents to get back on their feet.

Three years ago, Dominique Small found herself in a shelter with her three kids and not many options.

New Successes for Harris' Heroes

For this week's Harris' Heroes, Leon Harris updates how some of our heroes are doing.

(Published Friday, Nov. 30, 2018)

“It’s not easy getting day care, especially for a young child even at 2," she said.

But she found Bright Beginnings.

“Our families have experienced trauma,” said Dr. Marla Dean, the executive director. “We’re trying to mitigate that trauma right away."

They're dealing with that trauma in a brand new, state-of-the-art facility in Southeast D.C.

Moms start taking their babies there at just 6 weeks old.

“So even when you get there, you see that there's diapers ready, there are wipes available,” Small said. “The teachers will come and check her also. I honestly felt like I was leaving her with a grandmother.”

"I don’t receive any assistance — no food stamps, no TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) — and that was through the assistance of Bright Beginnings, and that feels good to be able to say that,” she said.

Reported by Leon Harris, produced by Michelle Rivera and edited by Scott Eisenhuth.